The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly posting an Instagram photo of a seashell that was interpreted as a threat against President Trump. The indictment, announced on April 28, 2026, claims that the image, accompanied by a caption, constituted "a serious expression of an intent to do harm."
Comey, who was previously a central figure in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, posted the photograph on his personal Instagram account. The DOJ alleges that the seashell, a species known for its sharp edges, was positioned in a way that could be seen as a veiled threat. Legal experts are divided on the case, with some arguing it tests the boundaries of free speech, while others contend that the context of Comey's history with Trump makes the message unambiguous.
The indictment comes amid ongoing tensions between Comey and the Trump administration. Comey's attorney has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, stating that the photo was merely a harmless nature shot. A trial date has not yet been set.